Hearst Investigative Reporting Winners Announced

Why It Matters

The awards spotlight emerging investigative talent, provide crucial financial support to journalism programs, and reinforce Hearst’s influence in cultivating the next generation of reporters.

Key Takeaways

• Livia Ziskey wins first place with $3,000 for juvenile confinement investigation
• 71 entries from 47 schools competed in the investigative reporting category
• University of Florida tops intercollegiate writing competition, earning $10,000 prize
• Top five schools receive matching grants, strengthening journalism programs
• Hearst Awards allocate up to $700,000 across 13 competition categories

Pulse Analysis

The 66th annual Hearst Journalism Awards Program continues to be the nation’s most extensive collegiate journalism competition, spanning four writing contests, two photo, one audio, two television, one podcast and four multimedia categories. In total, the program offers up to $700,000 in scholarships, matching grants and stipends, attracting participation from the 104 accredited journalism schools in the ASJMC. This year’s Individual/Team Investigative Reporting competition alone received 71 entries from 47 campuses, underscoring the growing emphasis on deep‑dive reporting among undergraduate students.

Senior Livia Ziskey of the University of Nebraska‑Lincoln earned first place and a $3,000 award for her exposé on the unlawful confinement of youth, a story that spotlights systemic failures in juvenile justice. Second‑place work from a University of Missouri team and third‑place reporting from the University of Florida demonstrate the breadth of topics—from education policy to public health—that are resonating on campuses. The cash prizes and the invitation to the National Writing Championship in June 2026 provide winners with both financial support and a high‑visibility platform to launch professional reporting careers.

The ripple effect of the Hearst Awards extends beyond individual accolades. Matching grants awarded to the top five schools help fund newsroom labs, mentorship programs, and new digital tools, strengthening the pipeline of skilled journalists. The University of Florida’s sweep of the Intercollegiate Writing Competition, with a $10,000 top prize, signals the institution’s robust curriculum and its ability to produce award‑winning content. As media organizations grapple with talent shortages and the demand for investigative expertise, the Hearst program’s investment of $700,000 reinforces its strategic role in shaping the next generation of news professionals.